Urges teaching 'personal virtue' over 'philosophy of victimhood'

Published 6:53 pm, Friday, January 4, 2013

Regarding the many articles about the urgent need to treat mental illness, it seems to me that two points are conspicuous by their absence.

First, how about people who consciously choose to ally themselves with Satan? Is everyone who embraces evil mentally ill?

For too long, the realities of sin and evil have been denied by those who believe that being "judgmental" is somehow wrong. For how much longer will we as a society wring our hands in the face of murder and mayhem, and say piously, "I hope he gets the help he needs"?

Second, how about those who, while not evil, lack a moral compass? Many high-profile murders are carried out by unsuccessful people (losers) who thirst after notoriety (also known as 15 minutes of fame). There's no lack of U.S. citizens without a moral compass, and they do not rear their children with religious or ethical training. Obviously such individuals may not have the inner controls needed to make constructive choices. This doesn't mean they're mentally ill.

The sixth chapter of Deuteronomy counsels us to teach God's commandments to our children, "diligently, when thou sittest in thine house, when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Those who profess no religious faith can instill virtue and ethical values in their children with equal success.

Ultimately, how helpful will it be to make an exhaustive study of a killer's psyche to determine a motive? The present approach always boils down to a philosophy of victimhood.

A nationwide campaign to promote personal virtue rather than finding scapegoats for our failings could make a real difference.